United Republican Party Senate House leadership registers changes with Former Senator Charles Keter

Former Kericho Senator Charles Keter has exited from the political limelight after he relinquished his elective position to join the cabinet has resulted in new changes within the United Republican Party (URP) Senate House leadership and by extension the Jubilee coalition.

Keter, the new Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary who until his appointment was the Deputy Majority Leader will now be replaced by Elgeyo/Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.

Former Kericho Senator Charles Keter. Keter, the new Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary who until his appointment was the Deputy Majority Leader will now be replaced by Elgeyo/Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

The CS, a close ally of President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto has been very instrumental in acting as a link between Parliament and the Executive, especially in solving wrangles and also spearheading the DP’s prayer rallies in opposition of the application of Rule 68 in the Kenyan case at the ICC.

In a Parliamentary Group meeting held at State House by the two principals, Murkomen also a close ally of the DP, was selected to replace Keter.

Murkomen, who is likewise a member of the speaker’s panel, member of the Pan African Parliament and the Chair of the sessional committee on Devolved Governments, is expected to hand over these posts to Senators Billow Kerrow (Mandera) and Stephen Sang ( Nandi).

Work is now cut out for the youthful and vocal legislator as he waits the Senate’s approval on the same, though he will also replace Keter as the chairman of the Jubilee Rift valley parliamentary caucus, still remains anonymous.

In the Jubilee circles, where Keter is among the founders and proponents of the Jubilee Alliance Party (JAP), new set to be launched as Jubilee party in March next year and was a member of the steering committee, overseeing the planned merge of all Jubilee affiliate parties, Murkomen is set to take a the mantle.

Senate Majority Leader Kithure Kindiki (Tharaka/Nithi) has welcomed the new proposed changes, noting that the leadership of the House will now be in the hands of the youth.

“The coalition has made new changes, which we believe will continue to unite us. My colleagues are taking us new challenges and it is for the best. The coalition is committed to ensure its manifesto is implemented,” said Prof Kindiki.

He confirmed, “The names will be approved in the House.”

Murkomen affirmed deliberation s on the new leadership and pledge to work closely with fellow legislators once approved to take up the new role.

The law prohibits public servants from engaging in politics and therefore both Keter and Dan Kazungu, formerly of Malindi Constituency resigned before taking up their appointments as CSs.

Senator Kerrow will replace Murkomen at the Pan African Parliament, while Senator Sang will substitute him at the panel and the committee.

However both Houses of Parliament will be required to consider and approve the nomination of Kerrow to the Pan African Parliament.

Sang, who is the chair of Committee on Delegate Legislation is planned to surrender the same to another senator from Rift valley region, preferable senator Wilfred Lesan (Bomet) or Liza Chelule (nominated).